Honest Write-Ups From Every Trip

The detail a hotel website leaves out — which rooms fit four people, what age the kids' club really starts at, and whether the place actually works with a toddler. Plus the occasional points lesson, when that's what made the trip possible.

The illuminated entrance arch to Vienna's Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz at dusk, with "Wiener Christkindlmarkt" written in lights, a giant red bow, a carousel glowing behind it, crowds streaming in, and the City Hall towers rising against a deep blue evening sky

LatestGuide

6 Best Family-Friendly Christmas Markets in Europe

The most family-friendly Christmas markets in Europe, where your kids can ride a two-tiered carousel, meet St. Nikolaus, and collect fairy dust from angels.

October 12, 2026 · 6 min read · Vienna, Cologne, Nuremberg, Esslingen

Pink island-style shop with teal door beside a sunny palm-lined path leading to a pier and turquoise ocean

Points & Miles

If I Were Starting From Zero: 2 Cards That Earn Hyatt Points With No to Low Annual Fees

The 2 best starter cards for earning Hyatt points on low annual fees: Chase Sapphire Preferred + Bilt Blue. $95/year total for free family hotel nights

September 29, 2026 · 4 min read

United Polaris Business Class seat set up with a pillow, blanket, and amenity kit before takeoff, with an infant life vest visible on the seatback tray

Points & Miles

Why a United Credit Card Should Be a Staple in Your Wallet

I flew business class from Houston to Munich for 72,000 miles — here's the exact United card benefit that made it possible.

September 6, 2026 · 3 min read

A couple poses in front of the Plose summit sign in South Tyrol, with the Dolomites' Odle peaks visible through the circular wooden sculpture behind them

Trip Report

The Free Card That Covers Your Gondolas, Trains, and Museums in Brixen, South Tyrol

The Mt. Plose gondola is free during part of the year in the Dolomites — here's how to time your visit so you don't miss it.

September 4, 2026 · 2 min read

Exterior view of AKI Family Resort Plose's dark timber architecture, with green roof terraces built into the hillside and mountains in the background

Trip Report

AKI Family Resort Plose Review: The Family Hotel That Redefined 'Relaxing Vacation' for Me

After the most incredible family stay in the Dolomites, I'm breaking down the flights, points, and amenities that made AKI Family Resort Plose the best vacation I've had since having kids.

August 17, 2026 · 13 min read

How we paid for them

The Cards Behind These Trips

Every stay we write up was booked with points from the cards we carry ourselves — what each one earns, and why it's in our wallet.

See the cards we use